After graduating from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1958, Hal joined the U.S. Navy and worked with the crash crew at Bakersfield Naval Base in San Diego, CA. He spent two tours of duty on the aircraft carrier USS Midway, traveling to Japan and Hong Kong. He worked as an Aviation Ordnanceman, loading missiles on FVH fighter planes and was a member of the VF-21 fighter squadron.
After being discharged from the U.S. Navy, Hal joined the Lincoln Fire Department in 1962. He earned his associate’s degree in Fire Science from Southeast Community College and went on to serve the Lincoln Fire Department for 42 years. During his many years of service for the fire department, he served on the Hazardous Material Team, the Dive Team, coached midget football for the fire fighter team, and drove a fire engine for 17 years. In 2005, he retired as the Captain of Fire Station 12.
On December 9, 1961, Hal married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline Thompson. They had four children together. Hal was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a hard worker, adored dogs, enjoyed fishing, was a loyal friend, and was incredibly dedicated to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Family members include his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy; sons Brad (Tammy) Kennedy and Bryan (Stacey) Kennedy; grandchildren Lakeisha Kennedy, Kierstin Kennedy, and Bret (Breanna) Kennedy; great-grandchildren Carter Kennedy and Cameron Kennedy; nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; son Brett Kennedy; daughter Erin Kennedy; and siblings Dick, Leon, Bonnie, Reva, Delores, Darlene, Shirley, and Pat.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall (241 Victory Ln, 68528) on June 8, 2023 from 4pm-8pm.
Memorials to be sent to the family.